All The Things You Need To Do Before Baby Arrives!

Being pregnant can be quite a challenge. After all, you are growing another mini human inside you! Of course, while things will be different once the baby arrives, they won’t necessarily be easier, as you will have a newborn that needs feeding in the night and diaper changes at all hours of the day. With that in mind, it’s best to do all you can to prepare for Baby’s arrival before their birth. Happily, if you pace your tasks and use the guide below to help, you can get everything you need done in plenty of time without further exhausting yourself. 

Get the nursery ready 

One of the most important things that need to get done before Baby shows up is to have their room ready. Of course, many babies don’t actually go into their nurseries right away, instead of sleeping in a bassinet next to mom when they are young. Something that can make those regular night feeds and changes a lot easier to cope with. 

However, at some point, you will want them to transition to the nursery, and even while they are not resident there, the space can be put to good use. In fact, installing a changing table can make things nice and easy for mom, as she doesn’t have to bed down so much and can easily reach all the materials, she needs like diapers, wipes, and powder. 

Obviously there are some other pieces of furniture that you will want to install in the nursery as well. One being a cot where baby can sleep, and some families choose to add storage for baby clothes too such as a mini wardrobes or shelves. 

You’ll want to decorate the space too. Although, don’t be fooled into thinking that more is best when you do. In fact, simple is often much better as you can see in these ideas for your new nursery that you can use for inspiration. Something that also means you can invest in quality pieces of furniture for baby without having to worry about leaving enough cash for lots of decorations and ornaments as well.  

Sort out your birth plan 

Next, before Baby arrives, you will want to think carefully about your birth plan. That is the choices you would prefer when you are in labor and delivery baby. Now I say prefer because birth plans aren’t guaranteed, as sometimes things do not go quite the way they are expected to. Something that means the medical staff caring for you and baby will need to make alternative decisions for your well being. 

However, in a regular delivery, it is often possible to have some control over the type of pain relief, the position you are in when you give birth, whether you have a water birth, and even if you give birth at home. 

Stock up on supplies 

Until Baby arrives, you won’t really have a good idea of how much stuff you will actually need to care for them properly. That’s OK, though as you don’t need to buy everything for their first two years while you are still pregnant. In fact, it’s often best to just invest in the things you know you will need and use 100% such as a car seat to take Baby home from the hospital and a baby bath. 

In fact, you can pick out additional items such as baby bottles, pacifiers, and sterilizers if you like and keep a list of them. Then if you need them once, little one arrives you can send out a loved one to the store. Something that means you won’t have to pay out for items you don’t end up using, which can be a common problem with new moms.

Pack for the hospital 

Finally, if you choose to have Baby in a birthing center or hospital, you will need to pack a bag of items to take with you. In fact, even if you choose home birth, it is a good idea to have a hospital bag packed too, just in case you do need to go in. 

Now, you are probably wondering what should go into this bag, but there is no need to worry as I’m just about to tell you. The first thing you will want is comfortable clothes to wear when you give birth, anything that doesn’t restrict your movement is best. 

You’ll also need quite a few pairs of pants, and some women choose disposable ones for their hospital stay. Additionally, you will need all of you regular toiletries. Oh and don’t forget that small item like lip-balm to help stop your lips from drying out when using gas an air can help make the experience a lot more bearable. Lastly, you’ll want some essential bits for Baby too, a topic you can find out more about in the video below.